John Paul II: Statesman of Faith

He is the spiritual leader of almost one billion people worldwide and beloved ambassador of peace to untold millions more. Pope John Paul II is one of the most popular and powerful pontiffs in history. Leader of the 2,000 year-old Catholic Church, John Paul II became the first non-Italian Pope in almost 500 years. Here is the story of his remarkable life—his pre-war childhood in Poland, his rise as a Cardinal under communism. And his elevation to the Papacy, where he survived assassination attempts to play a pivotal role in the fall of the Soviet Union. Pope John Paul II: Statesman of Faith would be useful for classes on World History, Ethics, Civics, Culture, Geography and Religion. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• ascetic
• clout
• contemplative
• diplomacy
• evident
• excursion
• ideology
• infuriate
• introvert
• inviolable
• naiveté
• ordained
• protégé
• provocation
• sacrilegious
• vicar

1. Pope John Paul II is the Holy Father to over one billion people. How is he the spiritual leader for the world’s Roman Catholics?

2. Pope John Paul II may be a spiritual leader, but he wields political influence. Discuss some of the Pope’s political influences and successes.

3. Pope John Paul II grew up in pre-war Poland. How did World War II change and affect the life course of Pope John Paul II?

4. Pope John Paul II and his friends practiced non-violent resistance to the Nazis. How did the Pope and his college friends “fight Nazism with words?”

5. Why did Pope John Paul II become a priest?

6. Discuss the political and social impact and upheaval of appointing a Slavic Pope.

7. Why did the Soviet Union resent and fear Pope John Paul II?

8. Discuss Pope John Paul’s contributions to ensure the human rights of peoples all over the world.

9. Discuss the impact of Pope John Paul II on the events of the second half of the 20th century.

10. What will be the legacy of Pope John Paul II?

1. Create a timeline that illustrates world events that have occurred during the Pope’s lifetime.

2. Imagine you are a reporter and you witness the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Write a column for your paper that tells your readers of the events and reactions taking place.

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